Empyema Following Pneumonectomy for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Incidence, Risk Factors and Outcome of Empyema Following Pneumonectomy for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Empyema following pneumonectomy for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is a known problem that occurs in about 2% of pneumonectomy patients.

The development of an empyema following pneumonectomy is a devastating complication, especially if associated with an underlying fistula. Whilst the perioperative mortality of pneumonectomy overall is now less than 5%, this rises to around 25% when complicated by empyema, and about 50% when associated with fistula. In addition, there is the morbidity and social cost of long-term drainage, chronic sepsis and often multiple operations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pneumonectomy for NSCLC

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pneumonectomy for other reasons (infectious pathology, trauma, mesothelioma, ...)